top of page

About Me.

We expect all staff, parents, children and any other stakeholder associated with Rose Buddies Childcare who have any serious concerns, to come and voice them to either the owners or any member of the management team without any fear of reprisal. This policy has been written to support stakeholders in coming forward with concerns; we recognise that some of the issues raised will have to be dealt with on a confidential basis.

This policy takes into account the provisions of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 which will protect staff that raise concerns and feel they have been unlawfully treated as a result of ‘whistleblowing’. Issues covered in this policy include:

  • Unlawful behaviour

  • Fraud or dishonesty

  • Breaches of policies and procedures

  • Improper conduct

  • Endangering the health and safety of staff or any other user.

This policy was written in line with the anti fraud and corruption strategy section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Aims

The aim of this policy is to create safe and confidential avenues for staff and users of Rose Buddies Childcare to raise concerns and receive feedback and will result in:

  • enhanced awareness of how to express concerns on any suspicions of bad practice

  • recognition that a system is in place to protect the ‘whistleblower’ from victimisation/intimidation

  • an environment that enables adults to raise serious concerns

  • an understanding that the whistleblower may take the concerns further if they are not happy with the response they receive.

Safeguards

Harassment and victimisation

Rose Buddies Childcare recognises that reporting a concern can be a difficult decision. The owners and management will not tolerate the harassment or victimisation of anyone who has acted in good faith, however if the whistleblower is already undergoing a disciplinary, the procedures will not be halted as result of reporting a concern.

Confidentiality

We recognise that some staff may wish to raise an issue in confidence therefore we will, when possible, gain prior consent before revealing the identity of the whistleblower. However, staff must also appreciate that in some situations an investigation cannot be concluded without a statement from the whistleblower as evidence.

Anonymous Allegations

These will only be considered at the management’s discretion. We actively encourage anyone who would like to express a concern to put their names to it as anonymous concerns are much less powerful. When exercising our discretion we would take into account:

  • the seriousness of the issue

  • the credibility of the issue

  • how likely we would be in confirming the allegation from other credible sources

Untrue Allegations

If allegations are made but after investigation are found to be untrue, we will take no action against the whistleblower providing they were:

  • were acting in good faith

  • believed the information they were disclosing to be substantially true

  • did not act for personal gain

Disciplinary action will be considered for anyone who raises a false or malicious allegation.

 

Guidelines

Raising a concern

Any minor concerns should be, in the first instance, raised with either the Deputy mangers or senior staff, however issues that are felt to be of a serious or more sensitive nature MUST be raised directly with the Managers or the Nursery Owners.

Whoever you raise your concerns with the Owner will be notified as they have the overall responsibility for this policy and its implementation.

  • If possible, concerns should be made in writing outlining the background of the concern, dates, names, places and the reason why the whistleblower is concerned.

  • Concerns should be made expressed as soon as the whistleblower becomes aware of a breach.

  • Whistleblowers will be expected to demonstrate sufficient grounds for the concern, although they will not be expected to prove truth.

  • Whistleblowers will be kept up to date on the progress of their concern.

  • Whistleblowers may ask for a representative to accompany them and support them whilst they voice their concern. This will be welcomed by the Owner and Management.

Dealing with the allegation

Any action taken by the Owner/Manager will depend on the concern, it may involve:

  • An internal investigation, taking into account confidentiality

  • A referral to the police

  • A referral to OFSTED

  • A referral to children’s social services

  • A referral to LADO

  • A referral to any other external agency

  • Disciplinary action

  • Suspension from work

  • Action agreed without need for investigation

To protect staff and the Nursery initial enquiries will be made to determine whether investigations are needed, and if so, in which form. Any concerns that are raised which fall into the scope of our other existing policies, for example ‘Child Protection policy’ will be referred for consideration under those procedures.

Rose Buddies Childcare will ensure that the complainant receives within 10 working days of raising the concern:

  • acknowledgement that the concern has been received

  • an indication of how we are going to deal with the concern

  • an estimation of how long it will take to conclude the matter and provide a final response

  • details of any initial enquiries

  • information on any further enquiries, or why we feel there is no need for any further enquiries

In some high risk situations interim action may have already taken place, i.e. child protection concerns

Contact between ourselves and the whistleblower will be dependent on the concern raised, the potential difficulties involved and the clarity of information provided. There may be a need for the whistleblower to provide further information.

At all arranged meetings the whistleblower has the right to be accompanied by a workplace representative, colleague or personal supporter, who is not involved with any matters raised in the concern.

Rose Buddies Childcare will endeavour to be as supportive as possible to the whistleblower and minimise any potential difficulties associated with raising the concern. We accept that the whistleblower needs to be assured that the concern is being dealt with properly and thoroughly. Subject to any legal constraints we will inform the whistleblower of the outcome of all investigations.

Alternative methods of raising a concern


This policy is attended to give staff appropriate avenues to raise concerns, however if it is felt necessary that the concern should be dealt with externally

  • OFSTED can be contacted on – 0300 123 3155 (Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm).  Email them at whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk.  Write to them at: WBHL, Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD

 

  • The police, Public Concern at Work – (a charity which provides free and confidential legal advice to anyone who is concerned about malpractice which threatens the public interest) Tel: 0207 404 6609 or helpline@pcaw.co.uk.

  • The Health and Safety Officer at Rose Buddies childcare – Miss Amy Rice 07856 312603        rosebuddiesmanager@gmail.com

  • Any other relevant inspectorate or regulatory body.

  • Thurrock LADO can be contacted on – 01375 652921

Anyone wishing to raise a concern outside the Nursery must ensure they do this in a reasonable and responsible way. Concerns are protected, even if unfounded, if they are made in good faith.

The Childcare Manager has responsibility for the maintenance and implementation of this policy. She will maintain records of concerns made, outcomes and maintain confidentiality, where appropriate. She will ensure all necessary actions and referrals are completed.

Whistle Blowing

bottom of page